In the News

Secretary Su and Congresswoman Bonamici heard from students in PCC’s Quick Start and apprenticeship programs that have high school students already working for large advanced manufacturers like Intel.

Other factors, such as cost of living in places like Hillsboro and instability in the industry also discourage people from entering the semiconductor industry, Bonamici said. The congresswoman called for reforming the Low Income Housing Credit to begin tackling affordable housing.

February is CTE Month and a time to recognize the contributions CTE programs make to the economy, along with the important work being done by CTE professionals and teachers across the country.

“When I hear stories, and really see and hear what’s happening in communities, like here in St. Helens with, for example, the residents of the affordable housing community. And what it meant to them to get them on a path where they can thrive,” Bonamici said.

“Oregon has an affordable housing crisis, and addressing it requires a multifaceted response and significant federal investment,” said Bonamici, whose Congressional District 1 includes portions of Southwest Portland and much of Washington County. She co-chairs the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness.

Bonamici is concerned about provisions in the legislation that would roll back consumer protections put in place by the Biden administration and eliminate the Parent Plus and Grad Plus loan programs.

“I’m impressed by the partnership in getting this done,” Bonamici said. “The facility is wonderful, the apartments are lovely. They have done a beautiful job making affordable housing available to people here in St. Helens.”

“Nursing is a profession that saves and changes lives, but Oregon and too many states across the country don’t have enough nurses,” Bonamici said in a statement. “There are many qualified people who want to enter this noble profession, but nursing schools don’t have enough faculty to teach them.”